I think soapstone would be awesome. That was what I was thinking when looking at your pics and before I even read that you wanted it. Soapstone.

Deedles - I love the look of soapstone, but I don't want the room to be dark. With the dark floors, I am torn about adding another dark element.

Yet, I could see from a recent thread on Hickory woods, which are similiar toned, that the dark coutertops look best. I think Greendesign showed some great examples.

I have a sample of a honed granite that is light colored, but the honed looks quite chalky and lacks the color tones of the polished stone.

"Refined rustic." Oh, for God's sake. The names we Americans must give things. Reminds me of that style diagnostic show, the name of which escapes me.

That huffed, with what you've described, it does sound like soapstone would be a logical, beautiful material. The honed finished would be nice, too. Nothing too shiny. I have always found blacks, browns, and creams to be very elegant. With that wall treatment? Whew! Wow.

Your finishes are lovely, and I like your dark color choices. I'm trying to think of something right now, but my eye tends to go a shade or so darker than your cabinets. Have you considered a darker butcher block? Or if you must lighter, a grayed, milkwashed brown?

What are you doing for wall color?

I am not quite certain if I understand "refined rustic" but I like the idea of soapstone. Alternatively maybe a honed gray quartz with minimal movement like Caesarstone Pebble?

alabamamommy's kitchen with Caesarstone Pebble

If you can deal with scratches and a bit of care, slate would look good. You have to be sure you get the right kind. It's not as dark as soapstone.

Both materials will be gray rather than black.

Concrete countertops are an option, but they do etch.

dilly, do you have a picture of your layout? I would love to see it, with the fireplace and all. :)

And, I agree, soapstone, oiled or unoiled, whichever look you end up liking. It will be gray, you can oil it, if you don't like the dark, it will lighten back up and you'll have gray.
Like the slate and concrete idea too.

CEFreeman- After looking at the rustic DAT thread, I thought I wanted something a bit more sophisticated. I grabbed the term refined rustic from Sherwin Williams who has a paint collection with this name. Maybe it would be better to just leave it undefined.

The paint color is Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige, but it looks different with the fresco texture. It is a light, neutral color (Photobucket won't seem to let me upload the color)

Copper perhaps, for the warmth...?

Marcolo, I do like slate and was considering it for backsplash. Hmm.. countertop.

Susied3 - I don't have good layout images. My blue prints are imposiible to read as they have old house and new plans overlaid on same sheet. My kitchen layout does not have the fireplace and dining nook.

Here are some construction shots, sink will be under the bay window, banquette by triple window. Island will face the fireplace and a small loveseat will face the fireplace. Behind the fireplace is a tiny powder room and hall leads to bsmt and LR.

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n491/dilly_ny/DSC02105.jpg

What are you using for the backsplash? I would choose that first, so you know the countertop will go with it. That being said, I think a lighter countertop will give you some needed contrast to all the darker finishes.

Are you planning to use the same countertop on the perimeter and the island? A light granite might be a nice choice. Here's a picture, I found under 'rustic romantic kitchen' image search :) {{!gwi}}From Kitchen plans

And marble would look good, too. Here's one of my favorite 'rustic' kitchens... {{!gwi}}From French Country Kitchen

Dilly- The kitchen looks great! So excited to see all your progress :)

Who's the little cutie, supervising? LOL

Lavendar - Love that first picture. Thanks!

My little guard dog makes sure the dust circulates throughout the house. LOL

How about the Cambria Buckingham countertop? Any thoughts on that? It seems to go well with cabinets and floor.

Dilly- That's beautiful! I don't usually get excited about a granite, but that would look wonderful, in your 'refined rustic' kitchen :)

IMHO, it's an excellent idea, to put a name to your theme for the kitchen...since it helps keep you on track with what will work and what won't, in your design. Just remember...your 'refined rustic' sounds a lot more professional than my 'Snow White chic' meets 'Laura Calder blue tile kitchen' (LOL)

Cambria Buckingham is actually quartz not granite but either way it is a fantastic looking stone. I think it would look great in with your other choices.

I like the direction you are going with your kitchen. I love Cambria Buckingham and it is #1 on my list right now. As soon as I saw it I fell in love and I also think it would be great in your kitchen. a2gemini is putting it in her kitchen now. She posted that templating is being done today.

Badgergal- Thanks for the info...I didn't realize a quartz could look like that, but it certainly is pretty :)

I am waiting anxiously to see a2gemini's countertop installed. I've never seen a large piece of the Cambria Buckingham. I ordered a 12x12 sample, but even that isn't going to show the movement that could be on larger pieces.

I was hoping to postpone the backsplash until everything is done so I can take some time choosing, but electrician wants to know what color for outlets and GC wants to know how to trim the window. So many decisions, I am exhausted from considering the options.

WOW! What space. You're going to have such a gorgeous kitchen -- Refined Rustic or not. [LOL]

Well, you answered my question: That's where you got it. Now.... Where did THEY come up with it! I want the job of naming colors. Where do I apply?

I really love your beams and lovely lighting. You must be so excited. Take a breath and remind yourself of the beautiful end goal.

Christine

Thank you Christine. It's all coming together and I am excited. Can't wait for it to be done. Mother's Day is my goal (delayed from previous goal of Easter). In the meantime, I must finalize so many decisions and order all the finishing touches. After 15 years of planning, I am ready to start living in the new space.

As pointed out by others, some varieties of unoiled soapstone are fairly light.

Just came across this thread. Any updates on folks who installed Cambia Buckingham? That's my #1 choice right now for my kitchen. Would love to see pictures.